Oncology CNA advice.

Ptrv12 · Sep 25, 2013

Congrats on the new job! Working in an oncology floor can be tough.. You see many patients in different phases of their grief, some are angry and can be bossy as well as their families but always try and put yourself in their place and be empathetic. I can also tell you that working on an oncology floor can be very rewarding especially if they see you really care patients and their families really open up to you and I utterly grateful to you. These patients appreciate you more than other patients do, or at least they show it more. What makes a good CNA is someone who really cares about the patient. I have some awesome CNA's on my floor that always make sure the patients are bathed and clean, they take the time to get to know the patient and make them feel important. Being on this type if floor can be very hectic and I understand sometimes you will be short handed and may not have time to give every patient a bath but always try n do your best and not leave a patient soiled in thier diaper. No one likes cleaning people's diaper but believe me the patients are more embarrassed by it than you. I have had many patients cry while I was changing them and tell me I'm sorry I have to clean them, so I don't look at it as a chore, I look at it as helping a person do something they can no longer do and praying that if I ever get sick God will re-pay me and look out for me and send me a good cna and nurse. Time managment is key... A good CNA should not have to be told to get a fingers tick or vitals but again if you are busy we as nurses should understand. Be honest with the nurse if you feel overwhelmed because they may not realize 3 other nurses asked you to do something at the same time, so instead of saying you'll do it, explain you are doing so and so and will do what they are asking when your done, most people will understand and often offer to help you out. I believe a patient is a reflection of the nurse and CNA so try to look at it that way. If you patient looks dirty and soiled that looks poorly on the nurse and CNA especially to the family. The CNA's at my work are awesome because I rarely have to tell them to do anything and report any abnormal vitals to me which is extremely important because we may not see the vitals until later. Be a team player and learn from each team member. I have learned things from CNA and I teach them things too. I would advice you to look into the ONS website and there is stuff on there you can learn about oncology. Well best of luck to you and I hope you like it.

porterwoman · Sep 27, 2013

Patients on oncology units have to use the toilet A Lot. IV fluids= have to pee...chemo/radiation=diarrhea. I deeply appreciate an aide who willingly helps those unsteady patients to the bathroom again and again. Remember that the nurses can help out with toileting, but the aides can't hang chemo or give antiemetics or give blood, so if the nurse is asking you to help out then there is probably some other thing the nurse must be doing. Best of luck to you! I started as a CNA more than ten years ago. Now I'm getting my MSN.How time flies.